Summary
Highlights
The Kenyan government's 2024 Finance Bill, proposing increased taxes on basic commodities, sparked widespread anger among citizens, particularly Gen Z. Faced with existing hardships and perceived corruption within the political class, many felt unheard and exploited. Initial peaceful protests, often met with arrests, escalated, culminating in a planned 'occupy Parliament' demonstration on June 25th.
On June 25th, while MPs debated the Finance Bill inside Parliament, tens of thousands of Kenyans gathered outside. The atmosphere, initially described as a 'carnival,' turned tense as protesters, driven by a desire to occupy Parliament, encountered police resistance. Despite tear gas and rubber bullets, the crowd's numbers grew, pushing towards their target.
After the Finance Bill was passed, anger among protesters intensified. They breached the Parliament's perimeter at approximately 2:20 PM. As security forces pushed them back, rapid gunfire erupted. Seven men were hit, two of whom, Erickson Mutisya (25) and David Chege (39), died. BBC Africa Eye's investigation identified John Kaboi, a plainclothes officer, as the individual who directed his colleagues to 'kill' and the likely shooter responsible for these deaths.
The killings galvanised the protesters, who regrouped and made a second, more determined push towards Parliament. Despite warning shots, they eventually breached the building, leading to mayhem and destruction inside. As protesters exited, another round of gunfire occurred. Eric Shieni, a 27-year-old university student, was among those running away when he was fatally shot in the head. The investigation provides strong evidence that a soldier, identifiable by his specific uniform and equipment, was the shooter.
The documentary concludes by highlighting the lack of official investigation into the killings and the government's initial narrative of 'organised criminals.' However, the detailed reconstruction by BBC Africa Eye points to law enforcement and military personnel as responsible for the deaths of unarmed protesters. The protests ultimately led President Ruto to concede and withdraw the Finance Bill, demonstrating the power of citizen action and demanding accountability for the violence that transpired.